Classification
Order: anura
Family: bufonidae
Genus: bufo
Species: bufo terrestris
Habitat
This species is native to the south-east of the USA, from eastern Louisiana to Florida. It can be often found in dry areas with sandy soil and scarce vegetation, e.g. in deserts and semi deserts. They often dwell near urban areas.
Outward appearance
It is a medium-sized species. Adult toads become about 7-10 cm long. Females are a bit bigger than males. They can be brown, gray, reddish or greenish. Their numerous warts are either darker or lighter than the main color and it makes these toads look quite colorful. They have big heads, large mouths and short bodies with almost no tail. The most obvious distinguishing feature is the knobs on the head and the backward-pointing spurs that extend as far as.
Character
It is a nocturnal species. At daytime they tend to burrow in the soil and sleep. They are quite calm and hardy, so they make perfect pets for beginners and for kids.
Maintenance care
Southern toads should be kept in horizontal tanks. For two specimens you will need a 50 liter tank. For substrate you can use coconut husks, sphagnum, mulch or potting soil covered with ground bark. For hiding places you can use driftwood, bark, ceramic plant pots. A large bowl with fresh clean water is a must. You will have to mist the substrate regularly. The ambient temperature should be around 24-26 degrees.
Feeding
It is a carnivorous species. They eat big insects, e.g. crickets, cockroaches, mealworm, superworm, caterpillars, butterflies etc.
Diseases
In winter southern toads hibernate for 4-5 months in their burrows.
Breeding
Breeding starts in spring when the males migrate from their upland habitats to the lowland pools, ditches, swamps and the margins of lakes where they breed. Heavy rain triggers large numbers of males to congregate and call, forming choruses. Each female lays a clutch of up to 4,000 eggs and the water may be thick with spawn. The eggs hatch and the tadpoles take 30 to 55 days to develop before undergoing metamorphosis into juvenile toads about 1 cm (0.4 in) long. The tadpoles feed on algae which they scrape from underwater vegetation. Adults are carnivorous and feed on any small invertebrates they can find.
